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(New Britain, Conn., March 20, 2017) - New Britain Bees team officials today announced that the team has named Shawn Gilblair as Pitching Coach for the 2017 season. Gilblair will serve as a player coach for the 2017 season, his second with New Britain, and joins Designated Hitter/Hitting Coach Craig Maddox on manager Stan Cliburn’s staff.

2016 was Gilblair’s first season in the Atlantic League after spending the first five seasons of his professional career in the Can-Am and Frontier Leagues. The native of Willimantic, Connecticut turned pro after playing four years at Eastern Connecticut State University, where he starred as both a pitcher and designated hitter and was named ABCA Co-Player of the Year in 2009.

The 6-foot-1, 210 lbs. left hander spent the majority of the 2016 season as the Bees’ closer, finishing the season with 21 saves and leading the team with a 1.87 earned run average. Gilblair, who represented the Bees at the 2016 Atlantic League All-Star Game in Lancaster, made 46 appearances for New Britain last seasons to set the franchise record, and struck out 57 batters in 53 innings pitched. In 215 career games, Gilblair has struck out 387 batters and won 26 games across 423.2 innings pitched.

In addition to his role as a player, Gilblair will be New Britain’s pitching coach for the 2017 season. Gilblair currently holds the same role for the Montclair State Red Hawks baseball team, and spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Eastern Connecticut.

“I’m excited to have Shawn as part of our coaching staff this season,” said Bees Manager Stan Cliburn. “He has great experience in independent ball as a pitcher, and has hands-on coaching experience at the collegiate level. We know what he can do on the mound for us, and I’m excited that he’ll be working with our pitching staff this season.”

About the New Britain Bees

The New Britain Bees are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, playing all home games at New Britain Stadium. Season Tickets and Mini-Plans for the 2017 season are available by calling 860-826-BEES (2337), online at NBBees.com, or by visiting the New Britain Bees’ Front Office.

About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)

The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 36 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 800 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment to metropolitan markets serving nearly 15% of the US population.